Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1887-04-02

VI c'A
millions, and the per centage of divi.
dends is large, ever though the stock
has been more than once watered.
The question just resolves itself to
this: If the railroads are to make the
laws they will object to all restrictions.
1t the people are to shape the legisla-
ton, and in such a way as to render it
efficient, we cannot see how any fairer
or more equitable measure can be pro-
posed than that which vas prepared
bv the Joint committees of the recent
legislature.
The Intelligencer some weeks ago
stated that the railroad "lobby" infu-
ence was permeating the entire state
as well as the capital. For years mer-
chants and farmers have been CON-
planning of extortionate rates, unfair
determinations and pooling, until their
demands were crystalized into strong
expressions of the popular demand in
party platforms. Merchants exchanges
emphasized the necessity of legisla-
tive action; oranges everywhere
reiterated it; yet now we are told
that in every little town through
which railroad surveys have been
made, and they are myriad this
year, letters have been received stat
ing that work will progress at once
provided no adverse legislation is had
at Jefferson City, and forthwith some
public spirited but mistaken individual
rushes out with a petition protesting
against any railroad legislation. This
entire business is a sad commentary
upon the intelligence OF the people.
The cry OF adverse legislation Is the
sheerest nonsense. The railroads are
the creatures of the state, subject to it's
regulation. An article of Judge Coo
ley's printed a few years ago, in which
he recommended just such legislation
as is contemplated in Missouri contain
ed this language:-"The enormous
wealth which this interest represents,
the rapidity of its growth, the vast
numbers and the great ability it sum-
mons to its service, and its immense
possibilities for evil as we'll as for good,
cannot fail most powerfully TO affect
the Imagination, and to no little
apprehension for the future, even in
the most thoughtful and well balanced
minds. The fact, too. that the man.
ayers of great lines or systems of COM
peting roads are found agreeing upon
rates, and perhaps upon apportionmena
Of business, and thus apparently put
ting an end to competition, has the ap-
p%earance of organizing those who
should be competitors into one or more
great monopolies, with which the pub
lie Is compelled to deal on their own
terms; and these terms will pri,na
facte be taken to be unreasonable and
oppressive, for the reason that they are
dictated exclusively by one of the par
ties concerned, irrespective of concur
ring will in the other" This is the
point exactly. Then Judge Cooley
goes on to indicate the remedy to be
a railroad commissioner, with power
to stand between the people and the
railroads. And yet, when the time
comes for action, after it has been
asked for by the people, we find them
selves in some instances opposing what
they have for years been demanding.
No patriotic citizen should be caught
in such an apparent trap.
Mr.. A. A. Harris, the protector of
the Chicago. Fort Scott & Texas rail-
road, who is a citizen of Kansas,
writes to a gentleman at Wsrrensburg
as follows:-'The probability of adj
verse legislation is affecting not only
ours, but all other proposed railroads
of Missouri. do not know how you
feel about it personally, or how the
leading men of your city feel, but l
assure you that such legislation as was
proposed will have q most damaging
effect upon railroad construction
This is the regular can't of the railroad
lobby. That it is the most unmitigated
trash NC sensible man can fell to know.
In Kansas, where Mr.. Harris lives,
there are strict laws for the regulation
of railroads, the commissioners being
entrusted with the fixing IF rates, yet
Mr.. Harris proposes to build part of
his road through that state. What is
the Legislation p~roposed?" Why,
practically the law that has been OH
the statute books of the state of Illinois
for thirteen years, and under which
more miles have been added to the
railroads of that state than the entire
railroad mileage of Missouri. Mr..
Harris impudent diclation to Mis-
sourians as to what manner of laws
they shall pass looks very much as it he
were attempting to cover up the failure
OF his enterprise by casting blame upon
someone else. IT he is honestly
engaged In all honest effort to build a
railroad in Missouri let him conhne
himself to his business, and suffer the
legislators of this state to ascertain the
wishes of the people and enact them
into just, fair and equitable laws. No
one asks for anything else.
The Warrensburg Democrat q /.
"The question of railroad legislation
should not be pressed quite so vigorous.
ly at the present time in view of the
railroads which are proposed to be
built" That Is, we suppose, we should
play on the railroads a little confidence
game. Get them to build first, and
then pop it to 'em atterwsrd. Wonld
it not be honorable to be open
and fair about il? Beside, Is it not true
that legislation now will be friendly
while if STAYED of by the influence OF
the roads g bitter struggle is likely to
ensue!
The Independence Sentinel supports
Governor Marmaduke aud advocates
railroad legislation.
Stock Notes.
Bring in the stations, mereE. and colts
lehfxt Mondayspssl
| A mare belonging tosGeo. W. Carr, last